International travel is resuming now that countries have opened their borders. However, travelers are noting that airplane ticket prices are not what they used to be.
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Cherry blossoms are in full bloom, but viewing this seasonal beauty in places like Japan will cost more this year than in the past.
Long weekends are popular travel periods, but ticket prices for popular airlines are on the rise. For example, roundtrip tickets to Japan during the April Qingming holiday can range from US$850 to US$1310.
One woman says she thinks the tickets are too expensive, so she does not feel the rush to travel abroad this year. She says it is not worth it if tickets take up the majority of her budget.
Another man says he avoids traveling during long weekends for this exact reason.
A travel agency says rising prices are the result of reducing the number of flights since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. They add the prices have increased over 60% but they predict a return to normal in the latter half of the year.
Travel experts suggest comparing airline prices and booking tickets long in advance to reduce the financial burden.
The agency advises those who decide to travel regardless to fly on weekdays and avoid long weekends.